TresSugar

Front Page: Indonesia Hit Hard By Second Quake

TresSugar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:07 -0700

After a second major earthquake hit Indonesia today, following Wednesday's 7.6 quake, the death toll has reached at least 529. - Washington Post
Communist China is marking its 60th anniversary today. - AP
A top official military journal has made an unprecedented call for the end of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." - New York Times
Both the White House and the family of a Chicago teenager whose beating death was caught on tape are calling attention to the incident with hopes that it will prevent other tragedies. - CNN
London's Tate Museum has pulled a nude photo of Brooke Shields because it was warned that it might violate child pornography laws. - UK Guardian

China to Rebuild Devastated City Somewhere Else

LibertySugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 12:15:00 -0700

Following the recent earthquake, China plans to rebuild one of its worst-hit cities, Beichuan, in a completely different location. Of the city's 161,000 residents, at least 7,227 died in the quake. The region's Communist Party Chief said:

Safety is the top priority in selecting a new location and reconstruction. We plan to build a monument and a memorial to commemorate the quake victims on the previous location.

The questions of when and where to rebuild devastated areas often comes up after a natural disaster. Following the wildfires in Southern California last Fall, actress Jamie Lee Curtis summed up one line of thought:

We live in a drought, we build houses too close, and then we're shocked when this happens? This is not an act of God. This is an act of man.

After Hurricane Katrina hit low-lying New Orleans, some critics spoke out against the idea of rebuilding the city, which could eventually be hit by a similar hurricane. They argued that New Orleans, built like a bowl and located bellow sea level, is geographically susceptible to similar flooding in the future.

Are humans foolish to build cities in places that are prone to natural disasters? Would China's plan to choose a new location work for a place like New Orleans? How should we mitigate risks of destruction and death, when every place is susceptible to some form of random devastation? How risky is too risky?

Source

Disaster Fatigue Hits America: Giving Less to Recent Victims

LibertySugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Donating money for the victims of the Myanmar cyclone and the Chinese earthquake has not been an easy sell. Americans have given $12.1 million so far to the Myanmar cause, compared to the $1.92 billion that was collected for the 2004 Tsunami, and $5.3 billion for Hurricane Katrina. Donation amounts for China are not yet known.

One AP writer suspects that Americans have come down with "disaster fatigue." The article explains that the more bad news there is, the less likely Americans are to give. Americans, who unconsciously clump distinct occurrences as "faraway disasters" may feel helpless when hearing of mounting, and incomprehensible death tolls. Thus, by competing to be disaster of the moment, China and Myanmar have unknowingly dissuaded charitable individuals.

There may be other factors leading to a light trickle of donations. For some other explanations, read more.

China and Myanmar are isolated countries, which restrict international access. Their governments, a communist oligarchy and military junta respectively, may make Americans weary that their money could end up in the wrong hands. The lack of journalistic access, combined with other dominating stories such as the presidential campaign, may also prevent the cyclone and earthquake from being the hot issue of the moment.

Or maybe Americans could picture themselves as a beach tourist in Thailand back in 2004 or resident of New Orleans, but are having a hard time empathizing with the most recent victims in China and Myanmar.

Do Americans have disaster fatigue, or are there just too many other bills to worry about at home? Can the fatigue notion be applied to other issues, such as the Iraq war? As we hear more bad news, are we tempted to turn a deaf ear?

If you don't have disaster fatigue, and want to help, here are ways you can lend a hand to those in China and Myanmar.

Source

Isolated Governments Handle Disasters Differently

LibertySugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:30:54 -0700

Two Asian countries wary of international intervention are reeling from natural disasters. BBC took a striking look at the contrasting government responses to the Myanmar cyclone and the earthquake in China.

Both countries have denied foreign relief workers and journalists. But, the similarities between how Myanmar's military junta, and China's communist oligarchy are responding stop about there.

China's government is proving it intends to be swift, flexible, and open. It has scaled back Olympic torch events, and instituted a daily minute of silence. With its immediate and extensive relief effort, the government is sending the message that it is accountable for its citizens' well-being.

The Burmese government is stubbornly hesitant to accept outside assistance, despite the fact that they are desperately incapable of taking on the rescue mission. Aid is being randomly handed out, and the government is showing no signs of flexibility, going ahead with a constitutional referendum in the midst of the disaster.

China's wealth and strong infrastructure gives it an advantage to handling the rescue internally. But, do you think China's flexibility is a sign that it's becoming more open and accountable to its people? What can the outside world do to help, when a reclusive government doesn't want assistance? How much blame should a government take for the consequences of a natural disaster?

Source

Big Earthquake Coming to California Sometime in 30 Years

LibertySugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:15:39 -0700

The golden state just got a gloomy forecast. Scientists predict that a strong and deadly earthquake will hit California within 30 years. The probability that the "big one" will be at least a 6.7 magnitude is now over 99 percent. An even more dangerous 7.5 magnitude is 46 percent likely, and more prone to Southern California.

Geophysicists hope city planners, building designers, insurance companies, and homeowners will use the information to plan ahead. Check out 72 Hours for some very useful tips on how to get ready for earthquakes, fires, severe storms, power outages, acts of terrorism, and any other imaginable emergency.

So, if you're planning to be in California in the next 30 years, you're going to need some bottled water and canned food! Do you worry about natural disasters where you live? Are you prepared?

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Do Tell: What Natural Disaster Do You Fear the Most?

DearSugar — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 07:00:00 -0700

Today is the 18th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake. Since I grew up in San Francisco, I will never forget that 7.1 quake as long as I live, and ever since 1989, I have a severe fear of natural disasters. Anyway you slice it, they are terrifying. I think the worst part is not knowing what's in store for you and your loved ones and not knowing when they will end or what's coming next. We hear about tornados, hurricanes, tsunamis, and avalanches all the time, but ladies, do tell, what natural disaster do you fear the most?

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What Natural Disaster do you Fear Most?

DearSugar — Tue, 08 May 2007 08:30:00 -0700

Natural disasters... any way you slice it, they are terrifying. I think the worst part about any kind is not knowing what's in store for you and your loved ones, not to mention when they will end. Even if you haven't experienced every kind of natural disaster, we have all seen the kind of devastation a tornado, or an earthquake, a tsunami or a hurricane can cause. So ladies, do tell, what natural disaster do you fear the most?

Source

Biggest Headlines of 2008: Natural Disasters Strike Asia

LibertySugar — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:00:00 -0800

On May 2, a cyclone hit Myanmar (Burma), marking the worst natural disaster in the country's recorded history. Only days later on May 12, less than three months before Beijing hosted the 2008 Olympics, a deadly earthquake shook China into the international headlines. In the same month, natural disasters hit two Asian countries wary of international intervention. With these pictures, reflect on the human stories spawned by these epic disasters that surely comprised some of the biggest stories of 2008.
Source

View Slideshow ›

On Fire: Australia Battles Deadliest Natural Disaster in History

LibertySugar — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:58:31 -0800

Victoria, Australia is welcoming cooler weather, as authorities say it will take several more days to contain blazes that have killed over 100 people.

On site last weekend, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd proclaimed: "Hell and all its fury has visited the good people of Victoria in the past 24 hours." These residents can thank a record breaking heatwave and perhaps arsonists for the hellish experience.

Australia's federal government will be there to help pick up the pieces, and the tab, for those who suffered damage, thanks to a $10 million disaster relief fund. Each adult will get $1,000 and an extra $400 for each child. Victims can apply for other grants, such as a re-establishment grant, totaling $26,000.

Do you think governments should pay for disaster relief and reconstruction?

View 5 Photos ›

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Briefing Book! How Will Bush Be Remembered in History?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:00:35 -0800

Bush: How will he be remembered down the road? Hardball takes on the debate. - Donklephant
In the Year 2010: Take a look at what history books might say just in case we're faced with the complete dissolution of the US. - 23/6
War 2.0: People in Second Life have been protesting the attacks in the Gaza strip; meanwhile, the Israeli Consulate in NY launched two Twitter accounts and will be hosting a Twitter press conference today. - Boing Boing
Economy: Congress gave Wall Street a big wad of cash to boost the economy. It didn't work . . . so where did all that money go? - Salon
Eco: What's the solar potential of your home? - GOOD
Pricey Disasters: Insurers' losses from natural disasters rose by about 50 percent in 2008, with Caribbean hurricanes Ike and Gustav powering the increase. - Huffington Post